Policy Assessment ThatLeads to Change
We are a collective of lawyers, scientists, technologists, and scholars that review policies from different perspectives and help build a fairer, more inclusive, and responsible society for everyone.
"Independent global think tank reviewing policies across 12 domains to shape worldwide governance"
- Council Founding PrincipleOur Mission
Reviewing Policies for Real-World Needs
We believe ideas should lead to real change. We work to turn policies into action and make sure they work in the real world, not just on paper.
By bringing together law, science, politics, and lived experience, we help governments, organizations, and communities create practical, fair, and evidence based policies that make a real difference.
"We recognize that an abundance of information does not guarantee clarity. Our work is to turn that abundance into grounded, workable ideas for policy and real change."- Shaler Square Council
Who We Are
Built on Diverse Expertise
Shaler Square Council grew out of an academic research community with academic and policy discussions. We were established by a group of scholars who felt that strong thinking had to lead to real world solutions, and so we created a council where disciplines wouldn't fight, but where they could work together.
Our team of 24 fellows across 6 teams brings together expertise in public policy, legal analysis, technology governance, and strategic consulting. We work with governments, non-profits, and private sector organizations to navigate complex regulatory environments locally and globally.
Our Principles
Evidence-Based Analysis
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Real-World Implementation
Equitable Governance
Rigorous Thinking
Transparent Research
How We Contribute
Holding Governance Responsible
Across Every Dimension
Policy Review & Analysis
Independent review of policies, frameworks, and proposals to assess clarity, effectiveness, and potential unintended consequences.
Legal & Regulatory Analysis
Comprehensive legal analysis to evaluate how policies align with existing laws, governance structures, and international standards.
Human Impact Evaluation
Objective assessment of how proposed or existing policies may affect governments, industry, researchers, and the public at large.
Grassroots Support
Practical guidance to help institutions operationalize governance frameworks and ensure policies function in real-world environments.
What We Cover
Twelve domains.
One conversation.
We don't silo ourselves into one field. Our strength is the cross-pollination of perspectives across the most pressing issues of our time.
Fellowship
Twenty-four
changemakers.
Six groups.
Meet our 24 fellows organized across six thematic groups. Each fellow brings unique expertise and perspective to collaborative policy work, contributing to evidence-based research and meaningful change.
The Technology Circle
AI · Startups · Commerce · Communication
The Planet Group
Climate · Food Systems · Agriculture · Environment
The Governance Desk
US Government · Politics · Policing · Justice
The Global Lens
International Dev · Poverty · Global Impact · Development
The Health & Society Lab
Global Health · Non-Profits · Social Systems · Healthcare
The Big Idea Bench
Cross-domain · Emerging Topics · Wild Cards · Innovation
Program Format
Fellowship
Structure
How It Works
Read Together
Each cohort receives a curated set of readings spanning policy, law, science, technology, and social theory. Fellows bring their own areas of interest to the table AI is one focus, not the only one.
Discuss & Reflect
Once a week, fellows gather in small groups for a structured 1.5–2 hour discussion. The goal is dialogue across disciplines not debate, but genuine exchange.
Write & Publish
Every fellow contributes one 2-page reflection paper per quarter. The best reflections co-authored by 3 fellows are compiled into a 1,000-word piece published on Substack once every 3 months.
Build Community
The fellowship is ultimately about connection. Reading, writing, and thinking together with people who care about the world as much as you do.
Fellowship · Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
We welcome applications from anyone committed to rigorous thinking and meaningful reflection. No specific academic background is required.
Is AI the main focus?
No. AI is one of our domains not the defining one. Fellows bring their own topics of interest. The common thread is a commitment to evidence-based thinking and meaningful reflection.
Are you affiliated with any company or organization?
No. We are an independent nonprofit organization and are not affiliated with, owned by, sponsored by, or operated on behalf of any company, government agency, or other organization. Our reviews and research are independently conducted and reflect our own objective assessment.
How does research work?
The best reflections from each fellow group are published quarterly on our Substack. All research papers are open access and attributed to the contributing fellows.
Is the fellowship remote?
Yes. Our fellowship operates entirely online, making it accessible to participants globally.
How do I apply?
Click the button below to access our application form. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
On Substack
Our work,
published openly.
- 02Int'l DevWhen Aid Disrupts: Rethinking Development Finance in Sub-Saharan Africa
- 03ClimateThe Climate Debt: Who Owes What, and to Whom?
- 04JusticePolicing the Police: Body Camera Evidence and the Limits of Transparency
- 05StartupsStartups in the Margins: Entrepreneurship Without Safety Nets
Become a Fellow
Ready to Join
your way in?
We're a community of people who believe rigorous reflection changes you - and eventually, the world. If you're studying at Harvard or affiliated institutions and care about ideas enough to write about them, we'd love to hear from you.
Applications due Nov 20 · Decisions by Dec 10 · Cohort virtual kickoff first week of January
Open to Harvard affiliates and invited guests · Selective intake · 24 member cap